Best places to eat on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight can safely claim to be a foodie destination. It has more than its fair share of fine dining establishments all across the island. It may not come as a surprise that many of the places that hit the top of the local gastronome’s hit list specialise in seafood, as you are surrounded by salt water on all shores. With the deep Solent to the north and the English Channel wrapping its way around the rest of the coast, you can be assured that you won’t have to settle for anything less than the freshly landed catch of the day.

The Isle of Wight is home to quality restaurants and gastropubs that cater to all budgets and occasions. Whether you’re looking for a very special experience or a light breakfast, no matter how big or small your budget is, we can thoroughly recommend a diversity of eateries for all sensibilities and tastes, that includes the very young, the old and the plain hungry.

High above the beach at Ventnor, The Royal Kitchen has grand sea views out over the English Channel. Garnering its name because Queen Victoria dined here, you can take succour in the news that this hotel restaurant has featured in every single edition of the Michelin Food Guide since 1911 when the book was first published. The Royal has also been awarded two AA Rosettes for excellence every year since 1998. The menu promise a fine selection of light lunches, followed by some sophisticated dishes for dinner. Advanced booking is encouraged.

For the best in contemporary British fare, venture into the heart of Newport, the Isle of Wight’s largest town. Chef Robert Thompson’s flagship restaurant is one of the island’s best dining experiences if you like quality food with a very reasonable price tag. You can choose from a seasonal set menu, A la carte, or an eight-course tasting menu. Where possible all the food produce is sourced locally and is fresh off the farm. Thompson’s also has a cook school, so if you fancy going on a fun course to learn new skills from some of the island’s best, check the website for future classes to see if your trip coincides with one.

A local phenomenon, the eponymous chef and partner are accomplished chefs with experience in Michelin Star accoladed restaurants. This small contender for one of the island’s favourites is a great place for tasting a delicious slate of meals concocted from local fare. The restaurant's surroundings are conducive to an utterly immersive informal dining experience. Daily specials bolster the mouth-watering menu, delightfully cooked to impress. Vegan and gluten-free options available too.

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The Duck is one of Ryde’s best loved dining establishments. Located close to the town beach, the owners promise a welcoming, uncomplicated restaurant with all meals throughout the day on offer – breakfast through to dinner. The menu is inspired by the food produce that is available throughout the seasons from coast to country. With a close eye on their seafood dishes for lunch, there is also a strong choice for vegetarians and steak devouring carnivores. The Duck is a solid choice for a mid-price evening meal date, with a varied, wide menu supported by their daily specials.

Adopting one of the best positions for waterside views, The Breeze is located at Island Marina off the River Medina near Cowes. You can even arrive on a yacht and tie your launch up to the restaurant’s own pontoon should you wish. Open for lunches and dinners, this modern and airy establishment is a purveyor of fine food and drink. There is an outside dining area to enjoy the sea air and good weather when it occurs. A family friendly option, the recent addition of a children’s play area with swings and climbing frames make The Breeze a serious choice for a lunchtime engagement.

If Chinese cuisine is your ‘thing’ then try out the Royal China which is in the pantheon of Oriental restaurants on the Isle of Wight. A high-class banquet of culinary treats from the Far East is guaranteed when you visit this lavish palace close to Sandown Pier. Informal and relaxed this is a popular family choice that is also open for lunch, after hours (at the weekend) and offers a take-away and delivery service if you would prefer to dine in your holiday accommodation.

For an intimate dining experience, try Heima in Brading. With only 25 places, you will enjoy a unique and memorable gourmet meal served personally by Heima’s chef. The name of this restaurant is Icelandic for, ‘At home…’ and the Scandinavian-style interior design certainly evokes a welcoming, homely feeling. Produce is sourced locally, and the wine list expertly curated.

The Spyglass Inn in Ventnor for a cosy pint, traditional English pub favourites and a sea view over Ventnor Beach.

Bellamy’s Bistro in Sandown is another firm family favourite with a great seafood menu and a very strong score on Trip Advisor.

The Llama Tree Pizzeria in Wellow is the place to be for authentic Italian food and wine. You can even buy Isle of Wight ales to go with your pasta and pizza. It boasts a good choice of vegetarian options too.

Masala Bay in Ventnor will tempt curry connoisseurs the length and breadth of the island. Friendly staff and an endless choice of exotic dishes taking inspiration from the widely differing curry tastes from India. Also serves tapas!

Last but not least the all important English chippy. No trip to the coast would be complete without at least one visit to the local fryer. What makes the best chippy comes down to personal taste, but we’ll follow the local’s example and recommend the superb Wights Fish & Chip Shop which doubles as a restaurant. It even boasts a menu offering gourmet burgers and wine list! It's close to the town's old fashioned cinema too!

For something a bit different look at Ventnor Fish Haven, which is located on a working pier off Ventnor Beach. It also sells fresh, wet fish, that includes newly landed then hand-battered cod, skate, plaice, pollock, rock salmon, mackerel and ocean’s more. Try the crab samosa and chips.

Enjoy a visit to the Isle of Wight as well as these wonderful eateries across the island with a stay at our Isle of Wight holiday cottages. Take a look at our full collection to find your next gastronomic break.

Just a short hop and a skip across The Solent, the Isle of Wight is one of the UK’s most idyllic holiday destinations and it is packed with attractions, natural wonders and days out. From leisurely strolls along the beach to hunting for dinosaur remains, and thrilling adventure activities, there are all sorts of things to do on the Isle of Wight.